President Therese Robinson opened the meeting with an Acknowledgement to Country then handed over to Chair Roy Garrett for the Toast to Rotary International. She then welcomed all members and our guest speaker, Peter Rose.
Guest Speaker - Peter Rose, Editor of the Australian Book Review (ABR)
Peter started his career as a poet wanting to publish books. After a number of roles, Peter commenced with ABR, a not-for-profit organization seeking to highlight the work of Australian writers.
During his 20 years with ABR, the magazine has expanded to include reviews of musical works and noteworthy overseas books and provide scholarships and prizes to writers. These developments have been made possible through a patrons program, growing subscriptions and ongoing Government support. Each year approximately 300 people contribute reviews over 10 issues, with a focus on providing opportunities for new talent to contribute each year. The practice of writing a good review of another writer’s work provides ongoing development for both the reviewee and the reviewer. 2020 was a testing year for all involved in arts. However, with Australians having more time to read driving increased subscriptions and generous support from patrons and writers, ABR was able to finish the year in a strong financial position and its readership intact.
Anniversaries
Allan Driver shared the following anniversaries:
- Michelle & Alan Crawford wedding anniversary on Friday 12/2
- Heather Rolls birthday on Sunday 14/2
- Neville John birthday on Monday 15/2
Announcements
- Anne King will reach out to members for suggestions on potential sponsors for Garden DesignFest 2021
- Frank O’Brien reminded members of the opportunity to meet in person at Cruden Farm on Monday 1st March with 36 of the 100 slots already booked
- Allan Driver informed members of a RCCM/Bearbrass Trivial Night on Thursday 11th February
- Ignacio Inchausti shared that Warwick Cavell wants to create cohort within the club of members who are running and sustaining a small business, in order to generate shared support for each other.
Inquisition – Neville John
Neville grew up in Reservoir. With the support of his parents, who wanted all five of their children to access more opportunities than they had, Neville worked hard at school then university to enable him to pursue a career in chartered accounting. Neville started his career at Mann Judd, progressing to partner then managing partner. He left Mann Judd when the business was sold to a larger company. In 2002, Neville commenced as CEO of an Industry super fund. In his first week at Mann Judd, he met his wife, Rebecca. Rebecca and Neville have two adult children, Matthew and Katrina.
Neville joined Rotary in 1995 and was concerned initially that work commitments would limit his ability to contribute to service activities. Under Richard Stone’s mentoring, Neville learnt that it was ok to give whatever time that was available, which is something that he has regularly shared with newer members. Neville’s Rotary involvement kicked off during his year as RCCM President and led to several District roles before becoming our District Governor in 2016/17. Neville provided some insights into his preparation for DG and the level of support that is provided to Rotarians taking on District/Club leadership roles.
Neville concluded by stating that after growing up in a family of 5 children, he eats anything put on his plate and really enjoys outdoor bbqs talking to family and friends as steaks (not sausages) sizzle.
President’s Announcements
We will trial face-to-face meetings on 16th Feb and 2ns Mar. Please note that both of these meetings will be conducted in-person and via zoom simultaneously. Allan driver will email instructions including booking details, which will require registration to wither the in-person format or the zoom format.
President Therese closed the meeting by reflecting upon the opportunities that our club presents to connect with each other and to meet the needs of others.
